THE TUATARA AND THE LIZARDS
Both tuataras and lizards are found in the fossil record along with the dinosaurs. There are over 3,000 species of lizards comprise the sub-order "sauria." Many lizards look like miniature dinosaurs and exhibit the same curious appendages. Large lizards fossils that have been discovered in Triassic strata are often presented with the dinosaurs. For example, the swimming lizard Mososaur was 50 feet long and likely weighed about three tons! Obviously extant lizards, like the chameleon to the right, are much smaller. Various living lizards are displayed in the park, some with fascinating characteristics that might surprise you. |  |
